Sen. Jack Reed

Maddy summaryThe Healthy Families Act would require most private employers and certain government entities to provide employees with earned paid sick time, allowing workers to take up to 56 hours per year for their own health needs, caring for family members, or addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Employees would earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with the ability to use it for medical appointments, caring for family members with health needs, or seeking safety from violence. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this time and requires employers to post clear notices about the policy. It applies to most private employers, with specific provisions for government entities like the Library of Congress and Government Accountability Office.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study firearm advertising and marketing for unfair or deceptive practices, such as ads targeting people under 18, implying illegal use, or promoting semiautomatic assault weapons. Within two years, the FTC must report findings to Congress and then create regulations to ban these practices within 18 months of the report. These regulations would apply to firearm manufacturers, dealers, and importers, prohibiting specific deceptive marketing tactics. Violations would be enforced under existing FTC authority, with penalties matching current unfair business practice violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. tax law to prevent corporations from avoiding U.S. taxes through "inversions," where a foreign company acquires a U.S. business and moves its tax residence abroad. It treats certain foreign corporations as domestic for tax purposes if they acquire a U.S. entity after May 8, 2014, and either have over 50% of their stock held by former U.S. shareholders or maintain significant U.S. operations (at least 25% of employees, compensation, assets, or income in the U.S.). Exceptions apply if the corporation has substantial business activities in its original foreign country. The changes apply to taxable years ending after May 8, 2014, targeting tax avoidance strategies rather than affecting most standard multinational businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. federal agencies from awarding contracts to "inverted domestic corporations" - foreign companies that have acquired U.S. businesses and now have significant foreign ownership. It applies to civilian and defense contracts exceeding $10 million, requiring contractors to avoid subcontracting with these entities for more than 10% of a contract's value. The bill defines an "inverted domestic corporation" as a foreign entity that acquired a U.S. business and now has more than 50% of its stock held by former U.S. shareholders, or has significant U.S. business operations (at least 25% of employees, compensation, assets, or income in the U.S.). Agencies can waive this rule for national security or health programs but must report such waivers to Congress within 14 days.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2026 as "National Mentoring Month" to raise public awareness about mentoring programs. It recognizes the benefits of mentoring for youth - including improved academic performance, mental health, career development, and reduced risk of delinquency - and highlights that 40% of U.S. youth lack a mentor. The Senate encourages community, school, and workplace efforts to expand existing mentoring programs and recruit volunteers to support young people. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote existing mentoring initiatives across the country.

Maddy summaryThe Predatory Lending Elimination Act applies military lending protections to all consumers, not just military members, by setting strict interest rate limits on personal loans and credit cards. It prohibits lenders from charging excessive rates on most consumer credit (except residential mortgages, auto loans for vehicle purchases, and federal credit union loans) and bans exemptions that would weaken these caps. The law preserves stronger state consumer protections and allows state attorneys general to enforce violations within three years. It requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue rules within one year to implement these rate limits and ensure consistency with existing military lending standards.

Maddy summaryThe Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026 would provide $20 billion annually (2027-2031) to improve public school facilities across the United States. The bill directs funds to states based on previous Title I funding allocations, requiring states to contribute 10% of the funds (with some exceptions) and develop plans for equitable distribution to school districts. Local educational agencies must prioritize schools with high numbers of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and funds can be used for construction, renovation, energy efficiency upgrades, removal of toxic substances, and making facilities accessible. The bill also establishes school infrastructure bonds to leverage private investment and includes specific provisions to repair foundations damaged by pyrrhotite.

Maddy summaryS 3761, the Student Loan Bond Expansion Act of 2026, modifies federal tax rules to make it easier for states and local governments to issue bonds that fund student loans. The bill exempts "qualified student loan bonds" from two key restrictions: the annual limit on tax-exempt bond issuance (volume cap) and the alternative minimum tax calculation. This change allows more such bonds to be issued without triggering these tax rules, directly benefiting state or local entities that issue these bonds to support student loan programs. The law applies to bonds issued after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryS 3754 imposes a tiered tax on investors purchasing single-family homes, targeting those owning significant portfolios: 1% for medium-sized investors (16-25 homes), 3% for large investors (26-100 homes), and 5% for giant investors (over 100 homes). The tax applies to home purchases, excluding new construction unless replacing an existing home on the same site, and exempts nonprofits focused on affordable housing, government entities, and community land trusts. Revenue generated will be allocated 65% to the Housing Trust Fund and 35% to the Capital Magnet Fund to support affordable housing programs. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2026 establishes requirements for selling non-performing single-family mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bill mandates that loss mitigation options be exhausted before sale, requires 90 days written notice to borrowers, and prioritizes government, nonprofit, and Tribal organizations for purchasing these loans. It requires 75% of properties acquired through foreclosure to be sold to owner-occupants, donated to nonprofits, or rented at affordable rates (not exceeding 30% of income) to tenants earning no more than 100% of area median income for a 10-year period. The bill also mandates detailed data reporting on loan sales and performance, including demographic information to monitor fair lending practices.